Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/977771
may 2018 / the tasting panel / 93 Tier 1 HEIDELBERG DISTRIBUTING, OHIO A family-owned and -operated company for more than 75 years, Heidelberg is a four-time Legacy Award winner. "Just like their company motto—'When you celebrate, we're there'—we appreciate the Millers and the Millers and the Millers," Hoopes joked as she raised her glass. "We're celebrating you tonight and our long and valued partnership. This year included 58 percent growth for Heidelberg, and we look forward to working with the next generation." IMPERIAL BEVERAGE, MICHIGAN Established in 1933, Imperial Beverage is one of the top ten distributors of wine, beer, and spirits in Michigan. "We've been working with Imperial for many years," Overton told attend- ees. "This year was a great year: up 77 percent on single vineyards and really balanced growth for a repeat winner." Tier 2 HEIDELBERG DISTRIBUTING, KENTUCKY Like its counterpart in Ohio, Heidelberg Distributing of Kentucky experienced a large jump in growth last year. One has to wonder whether Albert W. Vontz, the company's German immigrant founder, could have imagined this success 85 years prior. During dinner, the vivacious Carol Miller felt compelled to stand and graciously thank the Wente family: "This is just so cool. I've been here several times and I'm so grateful you would do this for all of us. Awesome bottles, awesome wine, awesome dinner. Thank you!" Chris Giudice, Vice President of Sales, Eastern Division, Wente Family Estates; Vail Miller Sr., Co-Chairman/Secretary, Heidelberg Distributing, Kentucky; Michael Miller, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Heidelberg Distributing, Ohio; Marissa Miller; Pat O'Sullivan, Chief Sales Officer, Heidelberg Distributing, Ohio; Leslie Miller; Vail Miller Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Heidelberg Distributing, Ohio; Karl Wente; Brooke Hice; Sean Hice, President, Heidelberg Distributing, Ohio; Carol Miller; Carolyn Wente; and Niki Wente. Carolyn Wente; Jordan Wente; Chris Giudice; Karl Wente; Lindsay Cekola; Joey Cekola, Portfolio Director, Imperial Beverage, Michigan; and Niki Wente. Vail Miller Jr.; Leslie Miller; Jordan Wente; Carolyn Wente; Carol Miller; Chris Giudice; Vail Miller Sr.; Marissa Miller; Pat O'Sullivan; Michael Miller; Alicia Angel; Joshua Mulberry, General Sales Manager, Heidelberg Distributing, Kentucky; Leslee Mulberry; Karl Wente; James Carpenter, Vice President/General Manager, Heidelberg Distributing, Kentucky; and Niki Wente.